Heart patient has first turbocharger fitted

THE first patient to be fitted with a device designed to "turbocharge" an ailing heart, without greatly increasing the risk of blood clots and other life-threatening complications, is recovering in a New Zealand hospital following surgery earlier this month.

The device, called a C-Pulse, has yet to prove its mettle. But the heart specialists who invented it hope it will one day be used to treat thousands of patients who suffer so-called "moderate" heart failure. These people are not ill enough for a heart transplant or an artificial heart, with the risks they bring. But they may suffer symptoms such as extreme tiredness, and struggle to walk short distances even with the best drug therapy.

The C-Pulse comprises an inflatable polyurethane balloon pressed against the aorta, the main artery from the heart. The balloon is kept in place by a polyester wrap stitched around the vessel, and together they form ...

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